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1999 Dodge Durango

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Durango years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Durango are substantially higher than the model-year median of 231.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,148 reports with mileage · 819 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 1,102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 281 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

106 crash reports20 fire reports49 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

30 reports
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118,000 miles · Dec 8, 2006
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

WHILE MANEUVERING IN ICY CONDITIONS THE CRUISE CONTROL BECAUSE OF ITS DESIGN ON THE STEERING WHEEL, INADVERTENTLY ENGAGED RESULTING IN A CRASH. IT SEEMS THAT WEARING GLOVES CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10175569

118,000 miles · Dec 8, 2006
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

BECAUSE OF IT'S PROXIMITY TO THE STEERING WHEEL, THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED INADVERTENTLY WHILE MANEUVERING IN ICY CONDITIONS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN WILDLY OUT OF CONTROL RESULTING IN A COLLISION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10175559

34,000 miles · Oct 22, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

1999 DODGE DURANGO ENGINE CEASES ALONG WITH BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED IN THE 5 YRS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT TWICE! THAT IS NOT NORMAL ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE TOUGH AND GET MORE THAN 36,000 MILES TO THE ENGINE! I HAVE CALLED DAMLIER CHRYSLER ABOUT THE SITUATION AND THEY CANNOT COMPENSATE ME …

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1999 DODGE DURANGO ENGINE CEASES ALONG WITH BALL JOINT PROBLEMS. I HAD TO HAVE MY ENGINE REPLACED IN THE 5 YRS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT TWICE! THAT IS NOT NORMAL ON A VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE TOUGH AND GET MORE THAN 36,000 MILES TO THE ENGINE! I HAVE CALLED DAMLIER CHRYSLER ABOUT THE SITUATION AND THEY CANNOT COMPENSATE ME IN ANY WAY AND HE WASN'T ALLOWED TO SAY IF THAT WAS NORMAL FOR A BRAND NEW TRUCK TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED TWICE WITHIN FIVE YEARS! AND BY THE WAY I HAVE RECIEPTS FOR MY WORK DONE AND THE PROPER MAINTENCE OF THE VEHICLE WITHIN THAT TIME SPAN!V I PAID $30,000.00 FOR THE BRAND NEW TRUCK PLUS ONE ENGINE COSTING ME $4100.00 AND THE SECOND ENGINE COSTING $4300.00 BESIDES THE BALL JOINTS. THE FIRST TIME THEREE WAS A CRACK IN THE ENGINE BLOCK THIS TIME THE ENGINE CEASED AND STARTED RATTILING LIKE A BUNCH OF TIN CANS BECAUSE SUPPOSE BROKE LOOSE INSIDE THE ENGINE AND MY DRIVE CAM ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN IT!*AK

NHTSA ODI #10096201

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2004
Unknown Or Other

I JUST HAD $3000 IN TRANSMISSION WORK DONE ON MY 99 DODGE DURANGO. NOW YOU DON'T NEED TO DEPRESS BRAKE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR NEARLY 4 YEARS AND NEVER NOTICED THIS BEFORE SO I ASSUME SOMETHING WAS DISCONNECTED DURING REPAIR. WHEN WE CALL REPAIR SHOP THEY SAY BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK WAS NOT…

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I JUST HAD $3000 IN TRANSMISSION WORK DONE ON MY 99 DODGE DURANGO. NOW YOU DON'T NEED TO DEPRESS BRAKE TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE. I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR NEARLY 4 YEARS AND NEVER NOTICED THIS BEFORE SO I ASSUME SOMETHING WAS DISCONNECTED DURING REPAIR. WHEN WE CALL REPAIR SHOP THEY SAY BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK WAS NOT A FEATURE ON 99 DURANGO. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHAT CAN BE DONE?*AK

NHTSA ODI #10058577

94,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVisibility

DURANGO HAS GIVEN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS INCLUDING HIGH REV BEFORE SHIFTING, AND ROUGH SHIFTING IN GENERAL.PROBLEM WILL ALWAYS OCCUR IF ALLOWED TO IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING MOVEMENT. HAS APPEARED TO SLIP ON OCCASIONS. PINION BROKE WITH VEHICLE IN NO APPARENT STRAIN WITH VERY SLIGHT ACCELERATION ON TAKE-OFF- CAUSE…

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DURANGO HAS GIVEN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS INCLUDING HIGH REV BEFORE SHIFTING, AND ROUGH SHIFTING IN GENERAL.PROBLEM WILL ALWAYS OCCUR IF ALLOWED TO IDLE FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING MOVEMENT. HAS APPEARED TO SLIP ON OCCASIONS. PINION BROKE WITH VEHICLE IN NO APPARENT STRAIN WITH VERY SLIGHT ACCELERATION ON TAKE-OFF- CAUSED MAJOR REAR END DAMAGE AS WELL AS RUINING ONE REAR AXLE. CONTACTED DODGE CONCERING PROBLEM SINCE PART BROKE WAS 1.5 INCH THICK STEEL WHICH BROKE SO SMOOTHLY, IT APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN CUT. PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN WITH VEHICLE 50 YEARS FROM NOW WHEN IT IS IN A JUNK-YARD! WAS INFORMED THAT SINCE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THAT NOTHING COULD BE COMPENSATED FOR. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE OPEN ROAD, OR MY WIFE AND CHILDREN COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I FEEL DODGE SHOULD AT THE VERY LEAST REIMBURSE US FOR THIS PROBLEM AS WELL AS THE TRANSMISSION WOES!

NHTSA ODI #10070596

Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2003
Unknown Or Other

THE AXLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND AS A RESULT THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS. THE MAIN BOLT ATTACHMENT TO THE SUSPENSION WAS REPLACED BECAUSE IT SHEARED OFF. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10052148

76,000 miles · Jan 13, 2003
Unknown Or Other

PLEASE INVESITGATE THE OIL PUMPS ON THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO. OURS HAS GONE OUT 2 TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 MONTHS. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO BLAME THIS ON SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE FROM NOT CHANGING THE OIL, BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE. WE DO HAVE OUR OIL CHANGED. THEY ALSO TRIED TO STATE THAT WE WERE REALLY LOW ON OIL. MY HUSBAND HAD JU…

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PLEASE INVESITGATE THE OIL PUMPS ON THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO. OURS HAS GONE OUT 2 TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 1/2 MONTHS. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO BLAME THIS ON SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE FROM NOT CHANGING THE OIL, BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE. WE DO HAVE OUR OIL CHANGED. THEY ALSO TRIED TO STATE THAT WE WERE REALLY LOW ON OIL. MY HUSBAND HAD JUST PUT A QUART OF OIL IN THE ENGINE THE DAY BEFORE. I WENT TO CARSURVEY.COM AND FOUND SEVERAL LISTINGS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE 1999 DODGE DURANGO...THE OIL PRESSURE SUDDENLY DROPS TO ZERO. SOME REPORTS STATE THEY EVEN THREW THEIR RODS WHEN IT HAPPENED. OTHERS HAVE HAD BEARING WEAR. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN OUR OIL PRESSURE SUDDENLY DROPPED TO ZERO WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME. WE HAD TO STOP AND CONTINUE PUTTING OIL IN THE ENGINE ABOUT EVERY 100 MILES SO WE COULD MAKE IT HOME FROM VACTATION. IT'S LIKE THE OIL WAS DISAPPEARING, BUT THERE WAS NO VISIBLE LEAK. NO LEAK IN OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN WE GOT HOME EITHER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL PUMP AFTER WE GOT HOME IN OCTOBER. THREE WEEKS LATER THE OIL PRESSURE WOULD START AT ZERO WHEN I INITIALLY TURNED ON THE CAR IN THE MORNING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD DING, AND THEN THE OIL PRESSURE WOULD GO UP TO NORMAL. I THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO COLD WEATHER. LAST THURSDAY, I WENT TWO BLOCKS AND THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO 4 TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE CAR HOME AND MY HUSBAND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE PUMP AGAIN. I READ ON CARSURVEY.COM THAT SOMEONE WAS TOLD THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH SOME GASKET BEING TOO SMALL FOR THE OIL PAN BY THE DEALER. THEY ASKED WHY THERE HAD NOT BEEN A RECALL TO FIX THIS AND THERE WAS NO REASONABLE ANSWER GIVEN. PLEASE HELP. THERE APPEARS TO BE A BIGGER PROBLEM THAT IS BEING SHUFFLED UNDER THE TABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10000997

Mileage unknown · Dec 9, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

HAD CONTINOUS PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE FLUCUATING, VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED, OIL WAS ALWAYS CHECKED AND CHANGED WHEN NEEDED, TOLD BY MECHANIC FAULTY FILTER, SAID WAS NO LEAKS BUT HAD TO ADD OIL AT TIMES. WHEN IT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND TYPE OF TRUCK…

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HAD CONTINOUS PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PRESSURE GUAGE FLUCUATING, VEHICLE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED, OIL WAS ALWAYS CHECKED AND CHANGED WHEN NEEDED, TOLD BY MECHANIC FAULTY FILTER, SAID WAS NO LEAKS BUT HAD TO ADD OIL AT TIMES. WHEN IT PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE NEEDED TO, THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFINITE PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND TYPE OF TRUCK DUE TO ALL THE INFORMATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET, DODGE/CHRYSLER SHOULD OWN UP TO THEIR REPUTATION AND COME CLEAN, I WILL NEVER BUY ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THIS COMPANY EVER AGAIN. I WAS DRIVING HOME WITH MY DAUGHTER ON THE TURNPIKE, THE OIL GAUGE KEPT DROPPING BACK AND FORTH THEN ALL THIS TAPPING AND LOUD NOISES FROM THE ENGINE, I PULLED OVER AND HAD TO BE TOWED HOME AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, YOU COULD SEE A HOLE, I GOT NO SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALER OR FROM THE ZONE REPRESENTATIVE, SHE PARROTED THE DEALER AND DUE TO MY FINANCIAL STATUS AT THIS TIME I CANNOT AFFORD NOR DO I BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO PUT OUT A CENT. THIS VEHICLE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED I BELIEVE IT TO BE A LEMON OF A VEHICLE. DT

NHTSA ODI #770634

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2002
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT STAYED ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING 45MPH ALL GAUGES DROPPED, AND THEN ENGINE SHUT OFF.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8018915

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE, AND ENGINE HAD BLOWN. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8012423

Official recalls

3

01V153000 · Air Bags

May 8, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PICKUP TRUCKS. SOUND DEADENER MATERIAL INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD BECOME DETACHED FROM THE COVER AND HOUSING. NOTE: THE RAM PICKUP TRUCKS WERE BUILT AT THE WARREN ASSEMBLY PLANT ("S" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 16, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; ST. LOUIS NORTH ASSEMBLY PLANT ("J" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 19, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; LAGO ALBERTO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("M" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000; AND SALTILLO ASSEMBLY PLANT ("G" IN THE 11TH VIN POSITION) FROM MAY 23, 2000 THROUGH OCTOBER 23, 2000. IMPORTANT: VEHICLES THAT HAVE ALREADY HAD THE PROPER CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS RECALL. IN ADDITION, 1997-2000 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THIS RECALL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE MATERIAL COULD INTERFERE WITH THE CLOCKSPRING RIBBON AND CAUSE AN OPEN CIRCUIT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL BECOME DISABLED, AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 18, 2001. ALSO SOME 1997-200 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES THAT, ACCORDING TO WARRANTY RECORDS, HAVE HAD A SUSPECT REPLACEMENT CLOCKSPRING INSTALLED, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

01V119000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor

Apr 11, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

99V342000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

Dec 2, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE FUEL TANK STRAP CAN SEPARATE DUE TO FATIGUE DURING OPERATION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TANK WILL BE UNSUPPORTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DOUBLE TOGGLE LOCK FUEL TANK STRAPS WITH SINGLE TOGGLE LOCK DESIGN. NOTE: AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH MAY 21, 1998, ALSO REQUIRE THE REAR BRAKE TUBE INSPECTION/REPAIR. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK STRAP AND BRAKE TUBE REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED ON THESE VHEICLES IN A SINGLE SERVICE PROCEDURE UNDER RECALL 99V-341/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #841. AFFECTED VEHICLES BUILT FROM MAY 22, 1998 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 1999, ONLY REQUIRE THE FUEL TANK STRAP REPAIR, WHICH WILL BE PERFORMED UNDER RECALL 99V-342/DAIMLERCHRYSLER #842.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA03023 · Upper Ball Joint Separation

Opened Nov 19, 2003 · Closed Feb 11, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (5)

Suspension

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION (DCC) IS RECALLING THE TARGET POPULATION OF APPROXIMATELY 600,000 MY 2000 THROUGH 2003 DURANGO AND DAKOTA VEHICLES WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS WITH REDESIGNED PARTS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE JOINT INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED JOINT RETENTION CAPACITY (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-596).THOUGH DCC DOES NOT ADMIT TO A SAFETY-DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE FACTS IN THIS INVESTIGATION SHOW OTHERWISE.BECAUSE OF THE LOW RATES OF SEPARATION INCIDENTS IN THE REMAINING SUBJECT VEHICLES, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THOSE POPULATIONS AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS IN THOSE VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

PE03032 · Front Susp. Upper Ball Joint Failure

Opened Jul 16, 2003 · Closed Nov 19, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:control Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Suspension:front

IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.

Suspension:front:control Arm

IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm

IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.

PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate

Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.